McKenzie Henderson, a graduating business administration major from Flowood, receives her diploma from President Mark E. Keenum during graduation ceremonies at Humphrey Coliseum last week. The university is recognizing nearly 2,900 graduates this spring. The spring commencement ceremonies also marked the first time MSU graduates have worn custom regalia, featuring maroon and white university seals and inverted maroon pleats on each sleeve for undergraduates and other distinguishing details for master’s and doctoral-level graduates. PHOTO: Beth Wynn | Public Affairs
Coach Polk continues to invest in baseball program
A generous planned gift commitment from legendary coach Ron Polk will create an outstanding level of continuous support for Mississippi State’s baseball program and further cement his legacy at the university. The winningest coach in all sports in SEC history, two-time National Coach of the Year and five-time SEC Coach of the Year spent 29 seasons leading the MSU baseball program (1976-1997, 2002-2008). Last spring, Polk returned to MSU to volunteer as special assistant to the athletic director. “Mississippi State is a special place, and this is home for me,” he said. “I wanted to make this gift because it’s the right thing to do. I’ve always preached that concept to my players. My hope is that this gift will help stir interest for others to do the same because when we give everybody benefits.”
Bagley welcomes new fundraiser
Jordan Smith of Saltillo has joined the Mississippi State University Foundation’s fundraising staff as the new assistant director of development for the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering. He began his duties April 1. Smith graduated from MSU’s College of Business with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2019. Smith joins Bennett Evans, Bagley College’s senior development director, and fellow assistant director Paul Zimmerman to work with alumni and development efforts. “Mississippi State is truly a place that is second to none, and I am honored to be back here joining the development team,” Smith said.
Cutler White helps establish state’s first formalized college access network in Greenville
College access and readiness for Mississippi students is becoming more attainable with this month’s launch of the Greenville College Access Network, or GCAN. “For three years I’ve worked with dedicated community members who want to see Greenville residents succeed. Without the community, this project would not exist,” said Carol Cutler White, an assistant professor in Mississippi State’s Department of Educational Leadership. “I join with my AmeriCorps Program Officer Melissa Gouge in congratulating Mayor Errick Simmons and the City of Greenville for being the first community in the state of Mississippi to organize a college access network.”
Registration deadline for virtual Staff Appreciation Day
Registration is open for Mississippi State’s virtual Staff Appreciation Day event on Friday [May 7]. This year’s Staff Appreciation Day will be held from 10 a.m.-noon and will include recognition of the 2021 Zacharias Distinguished Staff Award winners, virtual Bingo and door prize winners. Online registration can be completed at https://w.msstate.edu/staffcouncil/staff-appreciation-day. Participants must register to participate in Bingo and be entered to win a door prize. The deadline to register is Monday [May 3] at 5 p.m. Those without registration access are encouraged to contact their supervisor for assistance.
Reminder: University policy addresses employee political activity
With political campaigning underway for local elections, Mississippi State's Office of General Counsel offers the following reminder of the university’s policy on political activities. There are several basic guidelines that university employees should keep in mind when engaging in any form of political activity. MSU employees are encouraged to review OP 01.14: Political Activities in its entirety and to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Smoke-free policy enhances healthy environment
Mississippi State University is a smoke-free campus. Official policy prohibits the use of any combustible or vapor products anywhere on campus property including university buildings, university grounds, university vehicles, parking areas and sidewalks. The smoke-free campus policy is part of the university's commitment to creating a healthy environment for all members of the campus community. Use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah or other similar devices are prohibited by this policy. The complete policy is available at www.policies.msstate.edu/policy/91301.
The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
resource for Mississippi State University employees.
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Jim Laird.
